Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. It will also grow in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soils, but prefers rich loams. Tolerates some drought, but produces best foliage color in evenly moist soils. In the St. Louis area, plants will benefit from a shady placement that will provide some protection from winter wind and sun and from hot summer temperatures. Plants may be propagated vegetatively or by seed. Birds help disperse seed. Spreading stems will root at the nodes where they touch the soil. Ground covers rarely need pruning except when they invade unintended areas. Ground covers may be trimmed on the edges with a spade or shears. Var. baltica reportedly has good winter hardiness.
This variety of English ivy is very similar to the species (see Hedera helix), except its dark green leaves are more white-veined, smaller and purplish-tinged in winter. It is a vigorous, aggressive, fast-growing, evergreen, woody perennial that is primarily grown as a climbing vine or trailing ground cover. It is noted for its adventitious juvenile stage roots which attach to most surfaces. This variety is a popular ornamental selection in the U. S., but as is the case with species plants, it is considered to be invasive in certain areas such as in the Pacific Northwest. Climbing/spreading plants will grow somewhat indefinitely in length. Synonymous with and sometimes listed as H. helix ‘Baltica’.
No serious insect or disease problems. Aphids, mealy bugs, caterpillars and scale may appear. Watch for leaf spots, canker, bacterial leaf spot, stem rot and powdery mildew. Mites can be significant problem. Climbing vines around homes easily crawl into unintended areas, curl around gutters and damage painted surfaces, loose mortar or aluminum siding if growth is not closely monitored.
Cover for fences, trellises or walls. Ground cover. Lawn alternative. Topiary.
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Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110(314) 577-5100 hours and admission
Butterfly House
Faust Park, 15193 Olive Blvd. Chesterfield, MO 63017(636) 530-0076 hours and admission
Shaw Nature Reserve
Hwy. 100 & I-44 Gray Summit, MO 63039(636) 451-3512 hours and admission